The most bizarre heatwave hacks that actually work!

1. Open your loft hatch

Image source / Jupiter BlueHot air rises, we all know that. So this first hack makes SO much sense I literally have no idea why I didn’t know it before now. Open the hatch to your loft and gradually, the hot air will rise upwards, away from your bedrooms and towards the roof. Following this logic, if it really is unbearably hot at night, consider sleeping downstairs.

2. Cold water foot bath

Image source / Marathon handbookIf you’re working during a hot day, this tip provides a solid hour of heat relief, trust me, I’ve tried it. Get a bucket or tub, fill it with cold water and submerge your feet/ankles. The instant cooling effect is hard to deny and your puffy, swollen feet will thank you for it.

3. Wrist rinse

Image source / The tabIf a bucket of cold water for your feet isn’t an option, consider rinsing your wrists under the cold tap for 2 minutes. The wrists have large veins close to the surface (it’s why we take our pulse from here). By cooling this site of your body, you automatically cool yourself all over, clever!

4. Charge smart

Image source / Business recorderI bet few of us ever consider the amount of heat given off by our electronic devices but apparently it’s quite a lot, especially so when they’re on charge. Thinking about it, I have touched my phone’s charger before and been surprised at how hot it was. Why is this important? Well, during a heatwave you want to limit excess heat as much as possible. Consider having a ‘charging room’ that can absorb all that extra heat. Or, charge overnight when the temperature is likely to be cooler.

5. Close your windows...

Image source / Daily ExpressIt may feel counterintuitive to close your windows on a boiling hot day but trust me, unless there is a strong breeze outside (which is unlikely if it’s unbearably hot) then you’ll want them shut. This way you can create your own little microclimate indoors using cleverly placed fans and other tricks (more on those later).

6. ...and curtains!

Image source / The MirrorFollowing this logic, close your curtains. Yes, you might look a bit like the lunatic neighbor who never sees the light of day but if it’s a heatwave, most people will understand. By keeping your curtains closed you are keeping the sun out and therefore your room cool. If you have dark curtains, even better - they will absorb the sun’s light and create a heat barrier.

7. Get the white paint out

Image source / RemodelistaThis one is admittedly dramatic but if you live in a heatwave hotspot and you don’t have AC then this basic science hack is worth paying attention to. Dark colors attract or absorb heat, light colors don’t so white (or even light) walls will keep your house WAY cooler. Fun fact - that’s why a polar bear’s skin is black under all that white fur.

8. Fan + ice

Image source / MetroIt goes without saying that if you’re living through a heatwave, you’re going to want some fans to help move that hot air around and give the illusion of a cooling breeze. If the fan alone isn’t quite cutting it, consider placing a bowl of ice water at the base of the fan. The air blown across the ice water will be noticeably cooler and enhance your fan’s cooling power, genius!

9. All about the fan angles

Image source / Stuff.co.nzIf you’ve run out of ice then at least consider the position of your fan. It’s all too easy to just plonk it down in the corner and hope for the best but did you know that careful positioning can make ALL the difference. Leaving one window slightly open, angle the fan so that the hot air it pushes is going outside. If that’s not an option, place your fan so that it pushes the hot air out of the room you are in.

10. The importance of cotton

Image source / FashionisersChances are that in a heatwave you’re not wearing very much at all. But whatever you do still have on, be sure to check the label and make sure it’s cotton. Why? Unlike so many fabrics these days, cotton is natural and importantly, it lets your skin breathe.

11. Bed hacks

Image source / AmazonBe sure to check your bedding too. Those silky covers are definitely not going to aid a good night’s sleep. You want cotton, over a very low tog (thickness) duvet. If it’s that hot then remove the duvet completely and simply sleep under the cotton sheet.

12. Frozen PJs

Image source / Daily ExpressIf you want to go really extreme, you could pop your pajamas in a ziplock bag for 1 hour before bed. When the time comes, slip into your icy nightwear and feel the coolest you have all day. Just don’t forget they’re there - finding frozen pajamas a few months later could be a pretty freaky discovery!

13. Don't ditch the socks

Image source / Daily MailHear me out… if you’re a very sweaty betty, losing your socks might not be the best choice in a heatwave. Why? Socks, especially cotton ones, will absorb sweat and keep your body cooler by tricking it into thinking everything is under control! Plus, there’s nothing worse than clammy, sticky feet, ew.

14. Aloe vera gel

Image source / VenamineAloe vera is one of nature’s super ingredients. That thick, gelatinous substance has antibacterial properties and is found in endless moisturizers, balms and gels. If you’re lucky enough to have some aloe vera gel to hand, try massaging some on your wrists and the back of your neck. The instant cooling effect of the gel should provide immediate relief from the heat.

15. Moisturizer in the fridge

Image source / AllureIf you don’t have an aloe vera gel then simply place your favorite moisturizer in the fridge (not freezer). When it comes to using it you’ll not only have smooth skin but a cream that cools you down too. Whilst you’re at it, you might want to put some nail varnishes in there too - the cooling effect of the fridge stops them from congealing.

16. Stay hydrated

Image source / StylistThis may seem obvious but it’s so easy to forget on a normal day, let alone during a heatwave. They say we’re meant to drink 2000 ml (women) / 3000 ml (men) each day. When there’s a heatwave, reaching those targets goes from sensible to essential. The effects of dehydration can range from feeling tired and dazed right up to low blood pressure and unconsciousness.

17. Go vegetarian

Image source / Men's healthDid you know that it takes the body more energy to break down certain foods and meat, especially red meat, is one of them. In using up more energy, you will feel tired and potentially even hotter than you would have done if you’d stuck to something lighter (ever heard of the meat sweats!?) Do yourself a favor and stick to veggie options during a heatwave.

18. Cut out the caffeine

Image source / Eat this not thatIn a similar vein, caffeine can make us jittery and, as it’s a stimulant, encourages us to rush about and get things done. This is the opposite of how you want to be during a heatwave - slow down, relax and accept that for a few days those chores can wait. It’s much harder (and in some cases even dangerous) to try and keep up your normal activity when it’s sweltering.

19. Channel your inner monk

Image source / Asia DMCIf you’re used to rushing around at 100 miles an hour and the thought of slowing down for a few days fills you with dread, why not try some deep breathing? Consciously slowing down your breath is a proven way to relax mind and body, making coping in the heat more bearable.

20. Drink hot drinks, yes really

Image source / Eat this not thatIt’s a boiling hot day so what do you do? Grab a drink of course (got to keep hydrated and all that). Funnily enough, a hot drink might actually be your best choice. Why? Hot drinks make you sweat and sweat is the body’s natural response to cool us down. Researcher Ollie Jay explains, “If you drink a hot drink, it does result in a lower amount of heat stored inside your body, provided the additional sweat that’s produced when you drink the hot drink can evaporate.” So as long as there’s enough of a breeze for your sweat to evaporate, get the kettle on!

21. Forget iced water

Image source / Nuun hydrationOn the flip side, drinking overly cold drinks can shock the body and trigger a heat reaction as you try to warm yourself up… The body is just too smart for its own good sometimes! Moral of the story? Stay hydrated but don’t drink anything overly cold and if anything, lean towards warmer drinks that will allow you to sweat and cool down.

22. Wet sheet hack

Image source / FreepikThis hack comes from the ancient Egyptians no less! Before they slept, they would wet their bedding to create a cool surface to lie on. I wouldn’t recommend adding too much moisture to your bed as it could create a breeding ground for bacteria. Instead, wet a sheet or towel and hang it in the room. The cool material will help to lower the temperature of the air around it.

23. Hot water bottle...

Image source / Janie Knitted TextilesIt feels kind of counterintuitive to use a hot water bottle for the opposite effect of keeping cool but like so many of these surprising hacks, it really works! Very simply, fill your hot water bottle with cold water and enjoy the cooling effects for hours to come.

24. Take a Goldilocks shower

Image source / TBAHWhen the heat is getting too hot to handle, there’s surely few things as refreshing as a shower. Be sure not to set the water too cold (your body will rush to heat itself back up) or too hot (this might cause excess sweating which I’m not sure you’d want after a shower). So, just like Goldilocks, you want the water to be just right and you’ll be left feeling cooler and ready to tackle the rest of the day.

25. Homemade cold-compress

Image source / Medical news todayYou can go to the store and buy cooling strips to apply to your back/forehead and, I’m not going to lie, they are pretty epic. Immediate cooling relief for a few dollars, yes please! The downside is that they only last so long and then you have to throw them away. Instead, why not make your own? Get a flannel, drench with water, place in a ziplock and freeze. In a few short hours you’ll have your very old cold compress!

26. Eat light

Image source / Eating wellWe already touched on the benefits of avoiding heavy foods such as red meat which are hard to digest and are likely to overheat us. In fact, in a heatwave you might not feel much like eating at all. Why? According to The Health Site, “when the body is trying to sweat … the hypothalamus pays less attention towards your hunger.” So overeating might actually prevent your body from sweating and cooling off, interesting.

27. Get low

Image source / MetroHeat rises (remember the loft hatch hack) so it makes sense to get as low as possible to keep yourself cool. This could mean sleeping on the floor or even downstairs where your house is likely to be the coolest. We’ve all had that sensation of being hit by heat as we ascend the stairs, it’s science guys!

28. Switch your deodorant

Image source / Martha StewartDeodorants work by blocking the sweat glands under your armpits to literally stop you from being able to sweat. On a usual day, this isn’t such a bad thing and we can compensate by cooling off in other ways. However, during a heatwave the importance of being able to sweat shouldn’t be underestimated. Either stop wearing deodorant and embrace the pong or switch to a natural alternative which will still allow your body to sweat whilst keeping you smelling fresh.

29. Splash cologne

Image source / GobizkoreaYou might have never heard of ‘splash cologne’ but they’re pretty popular in Mediterranean countries. Huib Maat, in house perfumer at Pairfum London, explains: "These are colognes that are lightly scented with citrus which are applied all over the body. The evaporating alcohol cools the body instantly and because it is so lightly scented, it can be used liberally and frequently throughout the day."

30. Install AC

Image source / NewairIf all else fails then there’s only one thing left for it… install some AC units and relax in a temperature controlled room! Sure, professional installations can be costly but there are plenty of smaller, stand-alone AC units that you can buy online, set up in a matter of minutes and forget the heatwave even existed!

31. Create A Cross-Breeze With Fans

Image Source / Kendal Tools and MachineryIf you're looking for a great, refreshing cross-breeze in your room, then you can do so by pointing your fan across from a window so that the breeze from outside meets your fan and creates an amazing cross-breeze to keep you cool!

32. Turn All Your Electronics Off At Night

Image Source / CNETIf you're running a room full of electronics overnight, things are going to get a little stuffy, especially if your door is closed. Electrics generate heat, so if you're one to leave a lamp on, your computer plugged in and fairy lights etc then turn everything off!

33. Fancy Trying A Hammock?

Image Source / FAIL Blog - CheezburgerNo, seriously, it works! We all know how unbearable it can get trying to sleep in your regular bed when it's so warm, so if you have the potential to hang up a hammock in your home, try it! It'll be so much more cooler because you'll be elevated and therefore have airflow from every direction, including underneath you.

34. Make Your Bed Lower If You Can

Image Source / FoterOr sleep on the floor if that's an option! If you're struggling to cool down, getting as low as possible - especially at bed time - will help because heat rises, so you'll want to try and be as close to the ground as possible.

35. Avoid Turning Your Lights On

Image Source / House BeautifulIf you have a natural source of daylight, try to avoid turning on artificial lights (if you can without causing eyestrain!). And at night, make sure to avoid leaving any nightlights on, even if you usually have them on. This is because all these lights generate extra heat!

36. Or Try Candles Instead

Image Source / British VogueSure, it's a flame, so you'd think it'd be extra heat, but a nice tealight on the table instead of a side lamp is not going to generate the same heat that a bulb would do being on all night. So maybe switch to some nice romantic ambient lighting.

37. Hang A Wet Sheet In Front Of Your Open Window

Image Source / Chez Larsson - TypePadYou can help a room to cool down by hanging a wet sheet in front of an open window. This will allow the breeze coming in to hit the wet sheet and circulate cooler air, bringing down the room's temperature. Plus it's handy if you need to hang up your sheets to dry anyway!

38. Try To Eat As Many Cold Dishes As Possible

Image Source / David LebovitzThis one isn't just about the cooling food you can consume (a summer salad always looks more refreshing that a hot fry up when you're too hot) but it's also about time spent at the hot stove. If you're needing to put your hob or oven on, all that extra warmth isn't going to help!

39. Try At-Home Camping

Image Source / Country Living MagazineLet's be honest - most of us hate camping just for how cold it gets at night. Always seems like a nice idea until you're shivering in five hoodies in a sleeping bag. But what about to cool you down during a heatwave? If you have the space at home, you could camp in a tent in your garden or yard and sleep outside!

40. Choose Lighter Coloured Bed Sheets

Image Source / BeddableDark colours absorb the sun's heat whereas light colours reflect them, so if you also have a bed which is overlooked by a window or gets a steady stream of sunlight, help to keep your bed cool by using light-coloured (or white) sheets to reflect the light - therefore the heat, too.

41. Put Your Sheets In The Freezer Before Bed

Image Source / Which.co.ukOkay, obviously not for hours on end until they're rock solid, but just for a few minutes - and it's important to note to put them instead a plastic bag before you do this! That way that can be given a small, cold edge for when you get into bed.

42. And/Or Put Your Socks In The Freezer

Image Source / MellixThe temperature of your feet can really make a difference when you're uncomfortable, and if you're too, ice-cold socks can really help to bring your body temperature down. Do the same thing as with the sheets (put them in a plastic bag and pop in the freezer for a few minutes) and then put them on. Voila!

43. Opt For Loose Nightwear

Image Source / La RedouteLoose nightwear is just as important as loose clothing during a heatwave. You don't want tight jammies when you're trying to stay cool. You may decide to go naked when it's too hot - and that's your prerogative - but loose fitting thin pyjamas can help to absorb moisture and avoid you feeling too clammy.

44. Tie Your Hair Back

Image Source / VedixThis may seem like an obvious one, but it makes such a difference when you have long hair, and especially during bed time. Don't forget to tie your hair back to let your neck and back breathe, especially in bed!

45. Put Ice Packs On Your Pulse Points

Image Source / SAYSYour wrist isn't the only place with a pulse point ideal for cooling - you can also cool down the points on your neck, elbows (yes, elbows!), behind your knees and the inside of your groin. Alternative an ice pack between them and keep yourself cool!

46. Replace Your Bed Pillows, Too

Image Source / WikipediaA lot of people focus on the swapping of duvets when it's too warm, such as to a thinner, smaller tog, but pillows make all the difference, too. If you have a huge, fluffy pillow, this is only going to contain the heat around your head. Instead, get some summer-friendly pillows which are thinner, less fluffy and more lightweight.

47. And Don't Forget To Turn Your Pillow!

Image Source / Amazon.co.ukWe all know how amazing the cool side of the pillow is. So don't forget about it when you're tossing and turning in bed and wake up feeling ridiculously hot. If you wake up, give your pillow a turn and settle back onto the cold side. You can repeat if you wake up again!

48. Take A Warm Bath (No, Seriously)

Image Source / KneippDefinitely not a hot one - let's start off with that! But a warm bath can actually help your body temperature. The warm water should send blood rushing to your hands and feet. This will let your bloodstream cool down by releasing that extra heat from the blood flow.

49. Avoid Late Night Workouts

Image Source / Planet FitnessWorkouts get you hot and sweaty even in the middle of winter, but during a heatwave, it's just ridiculous. If you're a fan of late-night workouts, such as an hour or two before you go to bed, you may want to rethink that to make sure you're not too hot and sweaty for when you climb into the sheets.

50. Sleep In Separate Beds If You Can

Image Source / Heart RadioAs disappointing as it is (or maybe not if your partner's a snorer and you're happy to get away) it's a good idea to sleep in separate beds if that's an option. Too much body heat in one bed is overload when there's a heatwave. If you don't have another bed, try to avoid the spooning at least!